Member Avatar for awesomelemonade

Hello Guys!

I have a question about resetting a Windows 7 Home Premium Operation System.

This computer had a virus around last year, and I am wanting to be able to reset this computer to its factory defaults.

Thanks in advanced,
-lemon

If you need any info, just ask.

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Short expert summary and next steps (builds on and ): Windows 7 is past its support date (no more security updates), so a full factory-style restore will get the machine working but leaves it exposed unless you move to a supported OS or isolate it. Try non-destructive repairs first, but back up personal files immediately — the machine boots to Safe Mode only, which makes an early backup the top priority. (learn.microsoft.com)

If Safe Mode lets you access your files, copy them to an external drive; for larger or many folders use Robocopy from an elevated command prompt for a reliable copy. Example to back up a user folder to E: (adjust paths):

robocopy "C:\Users\<username>" "E:\Backup\<username>" /E /COPYALL /R:1 /W:1

If Safe Mode blocks files or you prefer a clean copy environment, boot from a Linux/Ubuntu live USB and copy the data (the live session is read-only for the PC and is very handy for rescue/backups). (ss64.com)

Try repair tools before wiping the drive: run System File Checker from an elevated prompt (sfc /scannow) and, from recovery media or Advanced Boot Options, use Startup Repair and the Bootrec tool to rebuild boot data if needed. Typical Bootrec commands (run from the recovery Command Prompt) are:

bootrec /FixMbr
bootrec /FixBoot
bootrec /RebuildBcd

These are the documented Microsoft recovery steps to fix boot/MBR/BCD problems and to repair corrupt system files. (support.microsoft.com)

If repairs fail, options are (a) use OEM recovery media (order from the manufacturer or use their recovery-creation utility if the recovery image still exists on the disk), (b) reinstall Windows with installation media that matches your license, or (c) install a supported OS such as Ubuntu. To reinstall Windows you’ll need the product key (COA sticker or retrieve it with a key-recovery utility such as NirSoft ProduKey if the system can run it). Check your PC maker’s support page for recovery-media ordering or instructions. (support.microsoft.com)

Practical priorities: 1) back up data now (robocopy or Ubuntu live), 2) try SFC/Startup Repair/Bootrec, 3) if reinstalling, confirm license key and whether the OEM will supply recovery media, and 4) consider upgrading to a supported OS for security.

Recommended Answers

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Member Avatar for JorgeM

If your computer has the recovery image on the hard drive (which many vendors place now a days..), just boot the computer and hit the appropriate function key to access this process. Depending on the computer, the key may be F1, F2, F11, etc.. You can find this info on the vendor's web site if you search for "windows recovery" or similar search.

Once you access the recovery options, just select a full recover, clean installation, or something similar.

Your computer will be reverted back to the original default state.

make sure that you backup any of your documents, favorites, etc.. before you initiate this process.

If you dont have a recovery partition/image, then you can get a Windows 7 DVD and perform a clean install. You'd have to get a hold of the drivers that windows doesnt provide you with.

Member Avatar for Ancient Dragon

If you are trying to get rid of a virus wouldn't it be a lot easier to just run an antivirus program and let it remove the virus then to reinstall the operating system?

Edited by Ancient Dragon
Member Avatar for awesomelemonade

Not sure how I tag/reply but:

Currently, the virus is out of here. It messed up lots of stuff.


Do I need to buy a Windows 7 DVD if the recovery isn't successful? Is it possible I wipe it clean and install a new OS?

@Ancient Dragon
The virus is gone as stated above. Messed up lots of stuff... It doesn't even start up normally - Only in safe mode it works.

Member Avatar for JorgeM

So if your computer has Windows 7 installed, you should either already have the Win 7 installation media on DVD or the computer manufacturer left you with the Win 7 recovery files in a separate partition that you access during the recovery process. If you have neither, then yes, you would have to get the new media.

Member Avatar for awesomelemonade

As for the new media, do you have to buy one?

Member Avatar for JorgeM

Well Microsoft doesn't give it away for free. Your best bet is to find the media that came with your PC.

Member Avatar for JorgeM

I'm not familiar with those links, but if you have a valid product key, I'd simply call Microsoft Support about where to get the media. They give the media away. What they care about is the fact that you paid for a key. if you have the key, they should be able to give you a download link.

Again, i looked at the link you posted, but im not familiar with that process.

Member Avatar for awesomelemonade

Alright - Thanks for your help! :)

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